"Unlawful circular" for taking over youth centers rescinded

Apr 2, 2024, 8:59 AM
Sports Minister Abdulla Rafiu speaking at a press conference. -- Photo: Abdulla Iyaan/ Adhadhu

Sports Minister Abdulla Rafiu speaking at a press conference. -- Photo: Abdulla Iyaan/ Adhadhu

The Sports Ministry on Monday rescinded a circular issued for the government to take over all island youth centers operated by councils.

Minister Abdulla Rafiu told Adhadhu that the circular was revoked because some councils did not want to hand over youth centers to the government. On some islands, councils have spent significant amounts on the youth centers, he said.

The ministry has halted plans to take over the centers for the moment and a decision would be made after consulting the Local Government Authority (LGA), he said.

The cancellation of the circular came after several councils called it unlawful. One council that deemed the circular to be illegal was the Addu city council.

An emergency motion proposed yesterday for the Addu city council not to comply with the circular contended that it contravened Article 40(a) of the Decentralization Act. The circular was also an unlawful order as defined by Article 64 of the Constitution, the motion stated.

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